Filipino culinary talents take center stage at first 'Madrid Fusion Manila'

Manila, Philippines – Ten Filipino chefs are set to bring you a full gastronomic satisfaction this April. As part of the “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” festivities, the eyes of the entire world will focus on Manila with the staging of a cooking event -  Madrid Fusion Manila.  Organized annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003, the locally dubbed Madrid Fusion Manila is the first in Asia and the biggest culinary gathering yet in the Philippines.

Culinary giants participating in the event

Showcasing tremendous kitchen abilities and showcasing the best dishes the country has to contribute to modern-day gastronomy are Fernando Aracama of Aracama; Margarita Forés of Grace Park; J Gamboa of Cirkulo; José Luis Gonzalez of Gallery Vask; Pepe Lopez of Rambla; Rob Pengson of The Goose Station; Bruce Ricketts of Mecha Uma; Myrna Segismundo of Restaurant 9501; Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung; and Juan Carlos de Terry of Terry’s.

These chefs will fuse with the culinary talents of Michelin-starred Spanish chefs Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz; Elena Arzak of Arzak; Quique Dacosta of Quique Dacosta Restaurante; Ramón Freixa of Ramón Freixa Madrid; Francis Paniego of Echaurren; Paco Roncero of La Terraza del Casino; Mario Sandoval of Coque; and Paco Torreblanca of Torreblanca Bombonerías and Asian culinary giants, chefs André Chiang and Alvin Leung.

Events to be witnessed

Tracing back over 300 years of cultural ties, gourmands and gastronomes from all around the world will witness a convergence of Spanish and Filipino gastronomic contributions through three exciting events:

1. The International Gastronomy Congress where featured Spanish and Filipino chefs will discuss and demonstrate the latest trends and techniques that will transform the future of food;
2. Trade Exhibition showcasing Spanish and Filipino premium products such as Spanish wines, cheeses, sausages, hams, beers and sweets, as well as Philippine rice, cacao, coffee, mango, coconut, liqueurs, chocolates, cheeses, nuts and artisanal salts and various world-class kitchen equipment; and
3. A Flavors of the Philippines Festival, that will run the entire month of April, bringing together different malls, restaurants, bars, hotels, food trucks, exhibition halls to celebrate Philippine gastronomy through simultaneous food-related events in Manila and other parts of the country.

Congress delegates will also experience the best culinary offerings of the Philippines through regional lunches that will feature the varied and exciting flavors of the country’s three main islands.

Madrid Fusion Manila is a joint partnership between Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and Madrid Fusion organizers Foro de Debate and ARUM. For information on the chefs, the activities and registration, please visit http://madridfusionmanila.com.

The formidable lineup of the country’s most respected and established chefs will be bringing their culinary expertise in action on April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.